Clinical Compass

🏥 What role can chiropractic care play in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)?

A recent publication explores how chiropractors may help address one of the most significant challenges facing primary care today: providing effective, accessible care for spinal and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

Why does this matter?
Spinal and MSK disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide and remain a major contributor to healthcare utilization and opioid prescribing.

Key takeaways:
✔ FQHCs serve millions of underserved patients across the United States.
✔ Current primary care models often struggle to meet the growing demand for MSK care.
✔ Chiropractors are well positioned to serve as embedded spine and MSK specialists within integrated healthcare teams.
✔ Medicaid reimbursement appears to be a key factor supporting successful chiropractic integration.
✔ Alternative payment models—including value-based care, shared savings, capitation, and grant funding—may create additional opportunities for sustainable implementation.

The authors draw parallels to the successful integration of dentistry, podiatry, and optometry services within FQHCs and suggest chiropractic care may offer a similar pathway to improving access to nonpharmacologic pain management.

As healthcare systems continue to prioritize value-based care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opioid reduction strategies, this paper provides an important framework for understanding how chiropractic services may contribute to improved outcomes and reduced downstream healthcare utilization.

📖 Reference: https://doi.org/10.1177/27683605261444627

What opportunities do you see for chiropractic integration within primary care and safety-net healthcare settings?

🤝 Friends of Clinical Compass

At Clinical Compass, our mission is to advance evidence-informed chiropractic care through research, education, and collaboration. We are grateful for the many leaders and organizations who support that mission and recognize the value of rigorous scientific inquiry.

We're honored to share these words from Dr. Lisa Kouzes, Vice President of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards:
"Clinical Compass played an integral role in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care through rigorously vetted scientific evidence and expert testimony. Their team's responsiveness and dedication to clarity strengthened informed decision-making and ultimately led to service in the best interest of the public."

Partnerships like these help ensure that healthcare decisions are guided by the best available evidence, supporting patients, providers, regulators, and the public alike.

Thank you, Dr. Kouzes, for your leadership and support of evidence-informed chiropractic care.